Process Engineer I (Entry Level)

About This Role

3M is seeking Process Engineers I to join its manufacturing operations across the United States. 3M manufactures over 60,000 products across categories including adhesives, abrasives, filtration, health care, and electronics — and its process engineers are responsible for the coating, converting, laminating, and assembly processes that produce them at scale.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Process Engineer I (Entry Level)
• Company: 3M
• Location: Maplewood, MN / Aberdeen, SD / Waco, TX / Decatur, AL / Tonawanda, NY
• Job Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Entry-level (0–2 years)
• Salary Range: $29–$40/hr
• Posted Date: 2026-05-25
• Application Deadline: 2026-06-25

Role Context

3M process engineers are embedded in specific manufacturing plants and responsible for the chemical or mechanical production processes for an assigned product family. Unlike discrete assembly manufacturing, 3M's core processes involve continuous coating, extrusion, and chemical compounding, meaning engineers need comfort with process chemistry and statistical process control. 3M's manufacturing sites run 24/7, and engineers may be asked to support off-shift teams during startups and troubleshooting events.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and document manufacturing processes for coating, converting, or assembly operations
• Apply design of experiments (DOE) to understand key process variables and improve product consistency
• Analyze process data using SPC and drive corrective actions for out-of-control conditions
• Support new product scale-up from lab to pilot to full production runs
• Identify and implement cost reduction and waste reduction projects
• Work with safety teams to maintain process hazard analyses and control measures
• Train production operators on process parameters and standard operating procedures

Requirements & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or Mechanical Engineering
• Strong fundamentals in process chemistry, thermodynamics, or materials science depending on assigned product group
• Familiarity with statistical analysis tools (Minitab, JMP, or equivalent)
• Hands-on problem-solving mindset and ability to work on the production floor
• Good written documentation skills for process procedures and technical reports
• US work authorization required

Benefits & Work Conditions

• $29–$40/hr with 3M annual profit-sharing bonus
• 3M stock purchase plan at a 15% discount
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and mental health benefits
• 401(k) with 3.5% automatic company contribution plus match
• 3M-funded continuing education and tuition reimbursement
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance programs

Who Should Apply

This role is an excellent match for chemical or materials engineering graduates who want to apply process science in a real manufacturing environment with a company known for innovation. 3M's broad product portfolio means engineers can transfer between product divisions throughout their career. Candidates who enjoy combining chemistry fundamentals with manufacturing problem-solving will find 3M's environment uniquely rewarding.

About the Company

3M is a Minnesota-based industrial conglomerate with $24 billion in annual revenue and operations in 70 countries. Its US manufacturing network spans 30+ plants producing everything from N95 respirators and surgical tapes to semiconductor abrasives and optical films. 3M is consistently ranked among the most innovative US manufacturers and a top employer for engineering graduates.

How to Apply

Apply at 3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us. Search "Process Engineer" or "Manufacturing Engineer" and filter by entry level. 3M's process includes an online application, a recruiter screen, and 2–3 rounds of technical and behavioral interviews with the plant engineering and HR teams.